Small Animal Care Series
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The great outdoors
G uinea pigs should never be kept outdoors
permanently, but when the weather is nice, try
taking them outside for some exercise. Place your guinea
pigs out on untreated grass inside a pen or under a wire
cage top. Don’t leave them unattended! Be sure they have
a small shelter they can retreat to for shade and hiding.
You can add tubes and boxes to make it more interesting,
but many guinea pigs are just content to munch away on
grass and dandelion leaves!
The guinea pig guardian pledge
As their guardian, you are responsible for your guinea
pigs’ health and well-being. You should make sure:
1. They never go hungry or thirsty;
2. They are taken to the vet when they are sick or
injured;
3. They are not afraid all the time;
4. They are comfortable in their surroundings;
5. They are free to behave like guinea pigs!
For more information on providing these
“Five Freedoms,” check out spca.bc.ca/animalcare.
Bring
on the
yummy
veggies!
Make the
Small Animal Care Series
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Guinea Pigs
The guinea pig or cavy (pronounced kay-vee) is a member of the rodent family, closely
... ahhh, related to the chinchilla and the porcupine.
fresh air!
In the grasslands and lower slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, wild
guinea pigs live in family groups of five to 10 individuals. Being a prey species, they have
very sensitive hearing and a good sense of smell. When startled, they respond quickly
by running for cover. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses, seeds,
leaves, stems and roots.
© BC SPCA 2015
Several hundred years ago when European explorers traveled to South America, they
returned home with guinea pigs. Because of their affectionate nature, they soon became
popular pets in both Europe and North America. Today, there are more than 10 breeds
Be cavy savvy!
This booklet provides basic care information. Please visit
spca.bc.ca/animalcare for more cavy credentials. You can
of guinea pigs, with many different coat types and colour combinations. There are even
two hairless varieties! Skinny pigs only have hair on their
heads and lower legs, while Baldwins are born
also root out these other great guinea pig resources: with hair but lose it all by the time they are
weaned as babies.
Guinea Pigs: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs
By Mark Evans Like people, each guinea pig is unique.
Published by DK Publishing, Inc. Some are outgoing, while others are shy.
Either way, guinea pigs make wonderful
Guinea Pig: Your Happy Healthy Pet companions. They are gentle animals
By Audrey Pavia who rarely nip, and are generally quiet
Published by Howell Book House – though they do have a range of calls
and chatters, especially at mealtimes!
Guinea Lynx Guinea Pig Cages Guinea pigs are known to grunt,
guinealynx.info guineapigcages.com squeal, whistle and chirp. They will
even make purring sounds when they
are being petted and feeling content on
Home, sweet home your lap.
The cages sold at most pet supply stores
don’t provide guinea pigs with much space to eat, sleep, The ideal guardian for a guinea pig is
play and go to the bathroom. Cramped living quarters someone who is willing to provide a
can cause your guinea pigs to to large, interesting habitat, as well as
become bored and frustrated. Not much room plenty of out-of-cage exercise, fresh
Visit spca.bc.ca/habitats move in here ! food and water, and of course some
for a step-by-step quiet lap time.
guide to building a
large, inexpensive Are you that someone?
habitat from
a sheet of Guinea Pig Stats
corrugated plastic.
The bigger your Origin: South America
habitat, the happier Status: Domesticated more than 4,500 years ago
your guinea pigs will Life Span: Usually 5 to 7 years
be! Size: Weigh up to about 1 kg and measure 20 to 30 cm in length
Coat:  Comes in a variety of “styles,” from short and smooth to long and curly
your first adoption option! Visit spca.bc.ca to view all adoptable guinea pigs. Colour:  Many different colours and patterns, like chocolate or “Dalmatian” (coloured spots on white)
 Room to run Handle with care
Be a great guinea Guinea pigs require exercise and will happily
romp around a room that has been cleared of
Many guinea pigs like
to be held, but must

pig guardian! hazards such as electrical cords, cats or dogs,

and poisonous plants. They love to run along
walls and hide under furniture. You should let
be handled gently and
carefully. Always pick
up your guinea pig with
Guinea pigs are friendly and your guinea pigs have time out of their habitat two hands: one hand
every day in a safe, enclosed area. under her hind end and
gentle pets, requiring a patient the other around her
guardian. Here are just some chest. Hold her while you are sitting
of the care and welfare needs down, preferably on the floor, so that
of guinea pigs. The pet care she will not be injured if she does fall.
section of the BC SPCA website Spa treatment
Guinea pigs need to have their nails trimmed
– spca.bc.ca – has more detailed every four to six weeks. Have an adult do this!
guinea pig care information. Nail trimming can be tricky because if you cut
them too short, the nails can bleed and be
Veg out Healthy pigs
painful.
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning
they only eat plants. Feed a small Be familiar with how your guinea pigs Long-haired guinea pigs need to have their hair
amount of fresh fruits and vegetables normally look and behave. Take them brushed regularly. And though guinea pigs do
high in vitamin C daily to the vet as soon as you notice groom themselves, you can give your guinea pig
– peppers, parsley, anything unusual, like diarrhea, a bath once in a while if he is smelly or greasy.
spinach, kale and breathing problems or loss of Use warm water and a mild pet shampoo. Make sure you keep his face dry and
papayas are all good. appetite. rinse out all of the shampoo. Dry him off with a towel. Buddy up!
Guinea pigs love company. Two can live
Vitamin C is important
together as long as they are the same
for guinea pig health.
sex and have a large enough living
space. Never keep males and females
Pellets, please! together, even for a short period (unless
Be sure to feed pellets they are neutered or spayed)!
specific to guinea pigs
because they have
added vitamin C. Wood is good
To help wear down their
ever-growing teeth,
PHOTO: CRYSTAL RITCHIE

provide your guinea

pigs with chewing items
Hey, don’t such as wooden toys
forget hay! and apple or aspen
Let your guinea branches. Just make sure
pigs munch away the branches come from
on Timothy hay trees that haven’t been
to their heart’s treated with any chemicals.
content! Hay helps
with digestion. Avoid alfalfa, though – it’s
too rich for most guinea pigs. Add a jungle gym
Within the cage, add small wooden or
plastic houses, as
well as cardboard or
plastic tubes large
Thirsty pigs Cavy condos enough for your
Guinea pigs should Guinea pigs need a living area that is at least 65 cm Cover the cage floor with aspen wood shavings, carefresh® guinea pigs to run
always have fresh water by 65 cm per guinea pig, with walls about 30 cm high. (bedding made from recycled paper) or a thick, clean blanket. through. These will
available to them through They don’t climb or jump very well, so the enclosure Do not use cedar or pine shavings because they can cause health help prevent boredom
a sipper bottle. Change can be open on top – unless you also happen to have problems. Keep the cage in an area protected from cold drafts and make them feel
the water daily and clean a cat or a dog at home! The cage can be made out of and direct sunlight. Scoop soiled shavings daily. Clean the entire secure.
the bottle with soap and metal or plastic. The bottom should be flat and solid, cage at least once a week. A clean, dry cage will help keep your
water once a week. not mesh or wire, which can hurt their feet. guinea pigs healthy.
 Room to run Handle with care
Be a great guinea Guinea pigs require exercise and will happily
romp around a room that has been cleared of
Many guinea pigs like
to be held, but must

pig guardian! hazards such as electrical cords, cats or dogs,

and poisonous plants. They love to run along
walls and hide under furniture. You should let
be handled gently and
carefully. Always pick
up your guinea pig with
Guinea pigs are friendly and your guinea pigs have time out of their habitat two hands: one hand
every day in a safe, enclosed area. under her hind end and
gentle pets, requiring a patient the other around her
guardian. Here are just some chest. Hold her while you are sitting
of the care and welfare needs down, preferably on the floor, so that
of guinea pigs. The pet care she will not be injured if she does fall.
section of the BC SPCA website Spa treatment
Guinea pigs need to have their nails trimmed
– spca.bc.ca – has more detailed every four to six weeks. Have an adult do this!
guinea pig care information. Nail trimming can be tricky because if you cut
them too short, the nails can bleed and be
Veg out Healthy pigs
painful.
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning
they only eat plants. Feed a small Be familiar with how your guinea pigs Long-haired guinea pigs need to have their hair
amount of fresh fruits and vegetables normally look and behave. Take them brushed regularly. And though guinea pigs do
high in vitamin C daily to the vet as soon as you notice groom themselves, you can give your guinea pig
– peppers, parsley, anything unusual, like diarrhea, a bath once in a while if he is smelly or greasy.
spinach, kale and breathing problems or loss of Use warm water and a mild pet shampoo. Make sure you keep his face dry and
papayas are all good. appetite. rinse out all of the shampoo. Dry him off with a towel. Buddy up!
Guinea pigs love company. Two can live
Vitamin C is important
together as long as they are the same
for guinea pig health.
sex and have a large enough living
space. Never keep males and females
Pellets, please! together, even for a short period (unless
Be sure to feed pellets they are neutered or spayed)!
specific to guinea pigs
because they have
added vitamin C. Wood is good
To help wear down their
ever-growing teeth,
PHOTO: CRYSTAL RITCHIE

provide your guinea

pigs with chewing items
Hey, don’t such as wooden toys
forget hay! and apple or aspen
Let your guinea branches. Just make sure
pigs munch away the branches come from
on Timothy hay trees that haven’t been
to their heart’s treated with any chemicals.
content! Hay helps
with digestion. Avoid alfalfa, though – it’s
too rich for most guinea pigs. Add a jungle gym
Within the cage, add small wooden or
plastic houses, as
well as cardboard or
plastic tubes large
Thirsty pigs Cavy condos enough for your
Guinea pigs should Guinea pigs need a living area that is at least 65 cm Cover the cage floor with aspen wood shavings, carefresh® guinea pigs to run
always have fresh water by 65 cm per guinea pig, with walls about 30 cm high. (bedding made from recycled paper) or a thick, clean blanket. through. These will
available to them through They don’t climb or jump very well, so the enclosure Do not use cedar or pine shavings because they can cause health help prevent boredom
a sipper bottle. Change can be open on top – unless you also happen to have problems. Keep the cage in an area protected from cold drafts and make them feel
the water daily and clean a cat or a dog at home! The cage can be made out of and direct sunlight. Scoop soiled shavings daily. Clean the entire secure.
the bottle with soap and metal or plastic. The bottom should be flat and solid, cage at least once a week. A clean, dry cage will help keep your
water once a week. not mesh or wire, which can hurt their feet. guinea pigs healthy.
 Small Animal Care Series
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The great outdoors
G uinea pigs should never be kept outdoors
permanently, but when the weather is nice, try
taking them outside for some exercise. Place your guinea
pigs out on untreated grass inside a pen or under a wire
cage top. Don’t leave them unattended! Be sure they have
a small shelter they can retreat to for shade and hiding.
You can add tubes and boxes to make it more interesting,
but many guinea pigs are just content to munch away on
grass and dandelion leaves!
The guinea pig guardian pledge
As their guardian, you are responsible for your guinea
pigs’ health and well-being. You should make sure:
1. They never go hungry or thirsty;
2. They are taken to the vet when they are sick or
injured;
3. They are not afraid all the time;
4. They are comfortable in their surroundings;
5. They are free to behave like guinea pigs!
For more information on providing these
“Five Freedoms,” check out spca.bc.ca/animalcare.
Bring
on the
yummy
veggies!
Make the
Small Animal Care Series
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Guinea Pigs
The guinea pig or cavy (pronounced kay-vee) is a member of the rodent family, closely
... ahhh, related to the chinchilla and the porcupine.
fresh air!
In the grasslands and lower slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, wild
guinea pigs live in family groups of five to 10 individuals. Being a prey species, they have
very sensitive hearing and a good sense of smell. When startled, they respond quickly
by running for cover. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses, seeds,
leaves, stems and roots.
© BC SPCA 2015
Several hundred years ago when European explorers traveled to South America, they
returned home with guinea pigs. Because of their affectionate nature, they soon became
popular pets in both Europe and North America. Today, there are more than 10 breeds
Be cavy savvy!
This booklet provides basic care information. Please visit
spca.bc.ca/animalcare for more cavy credentials. You can
of guinea pigs, with many different coat types and colour combinations. There are even
two hairless varieties! Skinny pigs only have hair on their
heads and lower legs, while Baldwins are born
also root out these other great guinea pig resources: with hair but lose it all by the time they are
weaned as babies.
Guinea Pigs: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs
By Mark Evans Like people, each guinea pig is unique.
Published by DK Publishing, Inc. Some are outgoing, while others are shy.
Either way, guinea pigs make wonderful
Guinea Pig: Your Happy Healthy Pet companions. They are gentle animals
By Audrey Pavia who rarely nip, and are generally quiet
Published by Howell Book House – though they do have a range of calls
and chatters, especially at mealtimes!
Guinea Lynx Guinea Pig Cages Guinea pigs are known to grunt,
guinealynx.info guineapigcages.com squeal, whistle and chirp. They will
even make purring sounds when they
are being petted and feeling content on
Home, sweet home your lap.
The cages sold at most pet supply stores
don’t provide guinea pigs with much space to eat, sleep, The ideal guardian for a guinea pig is
play and go to the bathroom. Cramped living quarters someone who is willing to provide a
can cause your guinea pigs to to large, interesting habitat, as well as
become bored and frustrated. Not much room plenty of out-of-cage exercise, fresh
Visit spca.bc.ca/habitats move in here ! food and water, and of course some
for a step-by-step quiet lap time.
guide to building a
large, inexpensive Are you that someone?
habitat from
a sheet of Guinea Pig Stats
corrugated plastic.
The bigger your Origin: South America
habitat, the happier Status: Domesticated more than 4,500 years ago
your guinea pigs will Life Span: Usually 5 to 7 years
be! Size: Weigh up to about 1 kg and measure 20 to 30 cm in length
Coat:  Comes in a variety of “styles,” from short and smooth to long and curly
your first adoption option! Visit spca.bc.ca to view all adoptable guinea pigs. Colour:  Many different colours and patterns, like chocolate or “Dalmatian” (coloured spots on white)